WIN: Silent Scream – A memoir about a man’s hidden secrets and healing

IN a world where male sexual abuse is not openly acknowledged or discussed, Etienne Louw’s newly published memoir, Silent Scream, aims to raise awareness and encourage victims and survivors to disclose and release their own hidden stories and seek healing from their concealed atrocities.

Also read: Isipingo takes a stand against crime

Louw, referred to as Damian in the book, said his memoir was born out of his journey of sexual abuse, addiction, loss, trauma and survival.

“I was encouraged by several trauma counsellors to ‘write it all down’ and put it into a book. This past year has been tumultuous dealing with all my previous hurts and disappointments, but fortunately, I am on the road to recovery now,” he said.

Louw hopes that those who have been caught in the cruel web of sexual assault in any form, especially men, would receive help and experience hope while reading the memoir. His advice to those who have been sexually assaulted is to not keep quiet.

“Immediately tell someone that you trust about what has happened to you. Secondly, and very importantly, they need to be checked out physically and receive trauma counselling as soon as possible after the assault. Unfortunately, in my case, I was not taken seriously when I reported my assaults all those years ago to the powers that be at the time. Sadly, because of this, my life took a downward spiral from then on out. Society needs to take these reports seriously as sexual assaults are happening under our noses, and victims are still afraid to talk about it due to the shame that they feel and a fear of no one believing them,” he said.

More support for women than men is one of the main reasons for writing his book. In April, he is also planning some outreaches in light of Sexual Awareness Month.

“If you do a general Google search using the word ‘rape’, hundreds of links pop up about female rape incidents and support centres for girls and women. Sadly, there is not much out there for males to fall back on. I hope to change that awareness through my life story and experiences,” said Louw.

He plans to speak to as many people as possible in the years ahead and to encourage men, especially, to open up and reveal their innermost secrets which just continue to damage their hearts and souls if not revealed.

“A very special trauma counsellor was my persistent ‘angel’ to eventually and patiently draw me out of my ‘black hole’ where I had struggled for 37 years,” said Louw.

He reassures people that they are not alone in their trauma and confusion.

“Once we start having these important conversations, I believe that we will be shocked by how many victims there are out there. We encourage you to speak out now. What is no longer hidden in the dark can be dealt with,” said Louw.

He has already joined forces with a well-known foundation that will be training him to deal with victims so that he can put his traumas and experiences to good use.

On January 20, he visited Exclusive Books in Galleria Mall for book signings, and has given one lucky reader a chance to win a signed copy.

To stand a chance to win a signed copy of Silent Scream, enter the form below.

DID YOU KNOW?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)